Salary question for the HR pros

what if you're interested in a new, higher paying job and you currently make less...when the interviewer asks what you make....should you explain that it's less than their advertisted salary and then go into your lower-paying current job being one reason why you're looking to change jobs?

example: (made up figures, for sure!)
let's say i make $60 but a new job says the range is $70. of course, i'd want the 70.....tactful way to approach?

Message edited 7/11/2006 4:04:53 PM.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

In all of my interviews I told them what I was actually making and then if they pressed the issue, I gave them a range of salary that I expected (ex. 65,000-75,000)

Let them make YOU the offer.....

ETA: I am in no way an HR pro, I have just been on tons of interviews

Message edited 7/11/2006 4:05:55 PM.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

thanks! something suddenly came up (man, i sound like marcia brady) and i can't resist the opportunity. i'll post more if something good happens.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

When the interview asks what I make, I would tell them and explain that is one of the reasons I'm looking. The compensation is not comparable to the work and I'm looking to advance my career.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

it depends- if I am at a job where I feel like I am being paid fairly- I am honest with what I am making- and say that I would like enough of an increase to essentially make it worht my while to move.

If I am underpaid-- I bump it up a bit-- generally when I was udnerpaid- it was cause of the company- not cause of my skills. Then I say the same thing- about enough of an increase to make a move.

Not in HR-- but, am the interview queen.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

I would ne honest, it could come back to bite you in the rear eventually if you lie

and yes, I would tell them the reason for leaving is because you want more $$$$$$$$$$

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

i exaggerated with what i make now, and i just got an amazing job offer.

and no - i would never admit you are leaving a job for more money - I talked about how I have had 6 diff bosses in 2 years b/c there is so much turnover in my company, and that i am looking for a more stable place to work.

Message edited 7/11/2006 6:55:16 PM.

Re: Salary question for the HR pros

actually, you could be honest about your salary since some companies will ask you for a W2 and you don't want to be caught in a lie.

You could say that you are more experienced now and looking to earn what you are worth.

Most likely though the money part won't come up until you are really being considered for the position.

WHen I took this job I was willing to go laterally in salary mostly because I was unemployed at the time. But when I was officially offered the job I got more than I was willing to take.

Companies that want to hire you want to make you happy to come aboard. They don't want you harboring resentment because you make less than you wanted. They want happy productive employees.

They have to know that one of the reasons you want to get another job is $$.


When the time comes for that conversation, it will be in context and you will be able to answer comfortably.